Let’s admit.
Most of you out there have already debated over cycling bibs vs regular shorts!
Those who have never tried bib shorts will always want to have a go and those who have tried them will never go back to wearing shorts.
Often, newbies are the ones who are seen wearing shorts. While they certainly get the job done, cycling bibs are supposedly more comfortable for men and women.
If you’re reading this, you’re either a newbie or a veteran cyclist. Either way, you are curious to know the many benefits of wearing a cycling bibs over regular shorts.
So without any further ado, let’s put an end to the argument – cycling bibs vs regular shorts- Which one is better?
Cycling Bib Shorts:
Cycling bib shorts do not have a waistband. They also have no drawstring to tighten the shorts around your waist. As a result, there is no itching or the feeling of an uncomfortable elastic cutting into your abdomen.
With bib shorts, you’re less likely to feel as if your blood flow and oxygen intake through deep diaphragmatic breathing is being restricted.
Bib shorts do not have any drawstring or elastic near the waist, there’s no way sweat is going to be collected. As a result, no moisture is retained that could increase your chances of chafing.
On the overall, a good pair of Bib shorts will leave you feeling completely free and comfortable in the torso.
2. Stays At The Right Spot:
Traditional cycling shorts are likely to move around as and when you pedal. Needless to say, they will slip over time, which indirectly will shift the pad or chamois. If this happens, chafing or saddle sores are waiting to show you an unhappy time.
A good pair of bib shorts is designed in such a way that the chamois stays perfectly in place.
3. More Comfort:
Bib shorts come with shoulder straps that help keep the chamois or pad in place while cycling. This is one of the reasons why bib shorts are far more comfortable than regular shorts.
With a good pair of bib shorts, you won’t even notice the straps when riding (if you get well-fitted bibs). They are just too good to not own!
Benefits of wearing good bib shorts!
4. Look Cool, Feel Great!
If you’ve ever noticed, good ‘cycling jerseys’ are shorter in the front. This helps in reducing fabric bunching and provide a more aero fit. As a result, for tall riders wearing traditional shorts, they will be flaunting the bare midriff when they are not on the bike.
On the other hand, with cycling bib shorts, all this is maintained seamlessly. For the onlooker, the bib short and cycling jersey looks like one piece from all side leaving you looking cool and feeling great!
If you haven’t tried wearing bib shorts, maybe you should consider giving them a try now!
It might take a few rides to get used to the straps but soon you will get used to it and ride with comfort.
While these are some of the reasons why bib shorts win over regular shorts. However, the only issue you might face with a pair of bib shorts is when you’ve to attend nature’s call. While men can just get done with it quickly anywhere, women can’t. They need to find a spot and bare it all.
Buying a bib short might seem easy, but let us tell you, it is not, especially if you’re too tall or too short!
Women who are looking for a great pair of bib shorts should definitely try the Specialized bibs with “HookUp” technology for women. They actually work exactly as advertised.
So what are some good bib short brands to invest in?
There are dozens of cycling brands out there that make high-quality bib shorts for men and women. However, make sure to choose only the best. Well, they might cost you a fortune, it’ll be worth it.
Here are some of the best brands when it comes to bib shorts
1. Castelli
2. Pearl Izumi
3. Nalini
4. Rapha
5. Santini
6. Assos
7. Giro
8. Giordana
Now let’s turn this over to you!
Which bib shorts are you using right now?
Or do you have any questions that you would want to ask regarding bib shorts or regular shorts?
Either way, leave a comment below and let us know!
We’ll be around to comment and answer your questions.
